Hydroelectric generator having water-filled gap between rotor and stator

ABSTRACT

“IMPROVEMENT IN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT GENERATOR OF ELECTRICAL POWER”, the invention herein refers to improvements in electrical power generating equipment which, due to the construction adopted, allows simplified maintenance at reduced frequency; in addition to useful application in several types of hydro electrical power plants, namely: micro, mini and small sized hydroelectric power plants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/193,350, filed Aug. 18, 2008 by the sameinventor and having the same title and said parent application is herebyincorporated into this application by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention herein refers to improvements in electrical powergenerating equipment which, due to the construction adopted, allowssimplified maintenance at reduced frequency; in addition to usefulapplication in several types of hydro electrical power plants, namely:micro, mini and small sized hydroelectric power plants.

TECHNICAL FUNDAMENTALS

The state-of-the-art technology already acknowledges several types ofhydro-electrical power generators with turbine and electrical generatorcoupled as well as integrated in a single equipment.

Usually, equipments with turbine and electrical generator integratedinto single equipment present, as main inconvenience, the need forelectrical field feeding in the generator rotor, which in turn, requiresthe adoption of auxiliary systems, such as excitement system, brushes,rings and collectors, consequently, turning the required complete rotorwater tightness difficult.

One of the existent integrated hydroelectric power generators, known asStraffo turbine, presents the generator rotor assembled in the peripheryof the propeller or Kaplan wheel.

The referred Straflo generator has as source of magnetic flux generatedin the rotor, coils fed by external electrical current; therefore,having as constructive characteristics the need of mechanical seals orhydrostatic gasket joints, for water tightness preventing water fromreaching the gap between the rotor and the stator, and the electricalparts of the rotor.

Another inconvenience observed in such turbine model consists of thefact that: inasmuch there is a need for transferring electrical powerfrom foreign source to the rotor to generate useful magnetic flux perpole in the rotor, water tightness for the physical circuit that willperform such transfer becomes necessary.

Other generators applied to hydro electrical plants may be found in thestate-of-the-art, such as document EP 1318299, where a turbine in bulbshape is foreseen, using a synchronous generator with permanent magneticexcitation with permanent magnetic poles, which are arranged in thegenerator rotor; the generator refrigeration is allowed only by theturbine flux which directs and promotes heat transfer of the bulbexternal surface. The document herein, although utilizing permanentmagnetic excitement, presents complex constructive format, which turnsits application unfeasible as an application of the present invention.

Document EP 0790696 refers to an electrical power generator, whichpresents one stator and one rotor, while the stator comprises someplurality of rectangular sectors where magnectical pole elements aredisposed, being such arrangement applied to conventional generators,aiming at reducing the size of equipment, and avoiding someinconveniences found in the technique, however, it cannot be used inhydro electrics due to lack of water tightness and some other decurrentproblems.

The applicant already holds the patent deposit for one integrated hydrogenerator, applied for as No. PI 0205233-4, having turbine and generatorintegrated and the generator rotor assembled to the external diameter ofthe turbine blades.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT

In order to overcome inconveniences arising from current techniques, theinvention herein has been developed focusing on “IMPROVING ELECTRICALENERGY GENERATOR EQUIPMENT”, more specifically applied to electricalpower generation systems, allowing energy conversion elements toconstitute a set composed of:

-   1. Hydraulic turbine: used for energy conversion from fluid    mechanical into mechanical energy;-   2. Generator: used for conversion of mechanical into electrical    energy, composed of: Generator Stator and Generator Rotor.

The turbine power is directly transmitted to the electrical generatorwhenever the rotor with permanent magnets is assembled solidary to theturbine hub, or through a shaft that couples the turbine hub to theelectric generator rotor.

The physical arrangement of the electrical energy generator equipmentpresents two main configurations, namely:

External Generator Stator, and Internal Generator Rotor, shown inpictures from 1 to 7, 9, 11 and 13, named as Version A; and

Internal Generator Stator and External Generator Rotor, shown inpictures 8,10,12 and from 14 to 19 and named as Version B.

In both instances, the rotor with permanent magnets is assembled eithersolidarily to the turbine hub or by means of a shaft that couples theturbine cube to the electrical generator rotor.

Yet, the synchronous generator may have permanent magnets positioned inthe generator rotor in two formats, namely:

Permanent magnets assembled on the rotor surface, shown in FIG. 3 forVersion A and in FIG. 15 for Version B; and permanent magnets assembled,inserted in the rotor, shown in FIG. 4, for Version A and in FIG. 16 forVersion B.

Resins, compound materials (either organic or metallic) or ceramics maybe used in the capsulation of permanent magnets of the electricalgenerator rotor and stator, yet the capsulation option may be acombination of those materials listed.

The forms to obtain material encapsulation may be those performed byinjection, immersion, dripping or by applying plates, ribbons, wires orblankets.

The hydraulic turbine and the generator are assembled in integratedformat, with the electrical generator rotor directly coupled to thePropeller or Kaplan turbine hub (or cube), or to the equipment shaft,which can be formed by a single part or divided into sectionsinterconnected by flanges, spools or sleeves, among others.

The hydraulic turbine can be Propeller or Kaplan type, and theelectrical generator rotor with poles of permanent magnets is solidarilyconnected to its hub, or to the equipment shaft, being the shaft madeeither in one piece or divided into pieces connected by flanges, spools,sleeves, etc.

The turbine blades may possibly be adjusted during assemblage, or becontrolled either by mechanisms or hydraulic systems, while theequipment shaft is applied for radial and longitudinal positioning ofthe turbine/generator set.

The hydraulic turbine hub may be cylindrical, spherical, elliptical, orany other shape that allows the pivoting of the hydraulic turbineblades, which means, the rotation motion around an axis perpendicular tothe shaft of the solidary turbine/generator set.

When the blades of the hydraulic turbine are controllable, they willpivot in relation to the turbine hub.

Eventually, if permanent magnets of the electrical generator rotor areresistant to corrosion and abrasion, they may be non-encapsulated.

The electrical generator rotor can be encapsulated by resins, compoundmaterials (either organic or metallic) or ceramics, as capsulationoptions, and in order to maintain water tightness, the capsulationoption may be a combination of the above mentioned materials.

The application modes of capsulation materials may be by means ofinjection, immersion, dripping or applications per plates, bands,threads or blankets.

Eventually, permanent non-capsulated magnets resistant to corrosion andabrasion may be used, turning water tightness of the electricalgenerator rotor unnecessary, being such an option of the equipmentphysical arrangement.

One of the objectives of the present equipment is to propose that therotor magnets of the electrical generator, whether encapsulated or not,remain immersed in water, therefore allowing water in the gap betweenthe generator rotor and the generator stator (space between the electricgenerator rotor and the generator stator).

Another objective achieved with the construction of such electricalenergy generator equipment is that, with the utilization of permanentmagnets (5), either encapsulated or resistant to corrosion and abrasion,the electrical feeding is not necessary for the field of the electricalgenerator rotor, with consequent suppression of the excitation system,and also turning the water tightness between the electrical generatorrotor and the equipment stationary parts and facilitating the equipmentheat exchange.

Therefore, the Utility Model herein describes the equipment generator ofelectrical power as an innovative improvement applied to electricalsystems for power generation, allowing the completehydro-mechanic-electrical conversion in an integrated turbine/generatorensemble making use of permanent magnets, either capsulated ornon-capsulated, with no need for electrical excitation system for therotor of the electric generator; therefore, eliminating the need forwater tightness, allowing presence of water in the gap between thegenerator rotor and the generator stator.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order to complement the present description, aiming at clearlyunderstanding the characteristics of such invention, and according to apreferential practical presentation of the hardware arising from thesame, there are two sets of drawings divided into two groups related tothe following versions:

1. Version A—External Generator Stator and Internal Generator Rotor

2. Version B—Internal Generator Stator and External Generator Rotor,

Thus, in an exemplified rather than restrictive manner, the following isrepresented:

FIG. 1 illustrates a frontal view of the electrical power generatorequipment (Version A) and that in particular presents the physicalarrangement with the Propeller or Kaplan turbine type;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic and lateral view of the application for patentregistration (application Number PI-0.205.233.4);

FIG. 3 is the illustration of the permanent magnets arrangement on thesurface of the rotor generator;

FIG. 4 is the illustration of permanent magnets arrangement inserted inthe generator rotor;

FIG. 5 represents a longitudinal cut from Case A1 equipment,illustrating the components assembled (application for patentregistration No. PI-0.205.233-4);

FIG. 6 represents a longitudinal cut from the equipment Case A2,illustrating the components assembled (application for patentregistration number PI-0.205.233-4);

FIG. 7 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, illustrating theassembled components/Case B1: Set of turbine and electrical generatorrotor bi-supported with the rotor of the electrical generator solidarywith the turbine hub projection and with permanent magnets placed in theexternal diameter of the rotor electrical generator;

FIG. 8 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, illustrating thecomponents assembled/Case B2: set of turbine and electrical generatorrotor bi-supported, with rotor of the electric generator solidary to theextension of the turbine hub, and with permanent magnets placed in theinternal diameter of the electrical generator rotor;

FIG. 9 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, illustrating theassembled components/Case B3: turbine and electrical generator rotor setbi-supported with the rotor of the electrical generator solidary to theequipment shaft, being the shaft either one single piece, or dividedinto sections interconnected by flanges, spools, sleeves, etc, and withpermanent magnets in the external diameter of the electrical generatorrotor;

FIG. 10 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, illustrating theassembled components/Case B4: turbine and electrical generator rotor setbi-supported with the electrical generator solidary to the equipmentshaft, being the shaft either a single part or composed of by sectionsinterconnected by flanges, reels, sleeves, etc. and with permanentmagnets in the internal diameter of the electrical generator rotor;

FIG. 11 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, Illustrating theassembled components/Case B5: The turbine is bi-supported and theelectrical generator is in balance. Permanent magnets are in theexternal diameter of the electrical generator rotor;

FIG. 12 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, Illustrating theassembled components/Case B6: The turbine is bi-supported and theelectrical generator is in balance. The permanent magnets are in theinternal diameter of the electrical generator rotor;

FIG. 13 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, Illustrating thecomponents assembled/Case B7: The turbine is in balance, fixed to theequipment shaft projection, being the shaft either a single piece orcomposed of sections interconnected by flanges, spools, sleeves, etc.and the rotor of the electrical generator bi-supported with thepermanent magnets located in the internal diameter of the electricalgenerator rotor;

FIG. 14 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, Illustrating theassembled components/Case B8: the turbine is in balance, fixed to theprojection of the equipment shaft, being the shaft and the equipmenteither a single piece or composed of sections interconnected by flanges,spools, sleeves, etc, and the rotor of the electrical generator isbi-supported with the permanent magnets located in the internal diameterof the electrical generator rotor; and Version B—Internal GeneratorStator and External Generator Rotor.

FIG. 15 represents the arrangement of permanent magnets on the surfaceof the generator rotor; in Version B:

FIG. 16 represents the arrangement of permanent magnets inserted in thegenerator rotor;

FIG. 17 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment CASE C1;

FIG. 18 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment CASE C2; and

FIG. 19 represents a longitudinal cut of the equipment, illustrating theassembled components/CASE C3, (Version B). Turbine and electricalgenerator rotor set bi-supported with the electrical generator solidaryto prolongation of the turbine hub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT

With reference to the illustrated drawings, the invention herein refersto “IMPROVEMENTS UPON THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATOR EQUIPMENT”,employed as generator of hydroelectric energy, synchronous generatortype with permanent magnet poles (1), equipment composed of thefollowing parts, namely (see FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,17,18 and19):

-   1. Hydraulic turbine (2): used for fluid mechanical conversion into    mechanical;-   2. Electrical Generator (3) set composed of parts 1,4,5,7 and 10:    used for mechanical conversion into electrical, which is composed    of:-   3. Generator stator (4)—Figures from 7 to 14,17, 18 and 19):    encapsulated, however, similar to the electrical stators usually    employed which, in its conception is composed of magnetic circuit,    named Stator Ironwork (5) FIGS. 3 and 4) and multiphase winding (6)    (FIGS. 3, 4, 15 and 16), placed in the stator grooves, distributed    and shortened, aiming at by its peculiarities to confer the expected    characteristics to the electrical output tension of the generator    (3);-   4. Generator rotor (7) Figures from 7 to 14, 17,18 and 19): composed    of magnetic circuit, identified as “Rotor Ironwork” (8)—FIGS. 3, 4,    15 and 16) and poles (9) (FIGS. 3, 4, 15 and 16), of permanent    magnets (1) (Figures from 7 to 14, 17,18 and 19), being the    mentioned poles placed in the rotor (7) of the generator.-   5. Gap between stator and rotor (10) (Figures from 7 to 14, 17, 18    and 19): gap between the generator stator (4) and the generator    rotor (7).

The generator stator (4) shall be totally encapsulated by resins,compound materials (either organic or metallic) or ceramics; theencapsulation option may be the combination of the aforementionedmaterials.

The application process for encapsulation materials may be by means ofinjection, immersion, dripping, or applications of plates, ribbons,threads or blankets.

Optionally, permanent magnets (1) of the generator rotor (7) may not beencapsulated, and in such situation permanent magnets shall be resistantto corrosion and abrasion.

The generator rotor (7) shall be encapsulated by resins, compoundmaterials (organic or metallic), or ceramics that may be encapsulationoptions, yet the encapsulation option may also be a combination of theabove mentioned materials, aiming at keeping water tightness of thegenerator rotor.

The generator rotor (7) is usually encapsulated and totally immersed inwater, allowing the presence of water in the gap (10) between thegenerator rotor (7) and generator stator (4).

The application process for encapsulation materials of the generatorrotor (7) and (3) may be obtained by means of injection, immersion,dripping, or applications of plates, ribbons, threads or blankets.

The permanent magnets (1) placed in the generator rotor (7) act asexcitation elements (generating the useful magnetic flux per pole),which can be assembled in the Rotor Iron in two ways:

Permanent magnets (1) at generator rotor surface (7), shown in FIGS. 3and 15, with the magnetization of the permanent magnets in radialdirection (R1); or

Permanent magnets inserted in the Rotor Iron (8) as shown in FIGS. 4 and16, where the Rotor iron (8) is previously prepared for the insertion ofpermanent magnets (1) leading to the magnetization of the permanentmagnets (1) to tangential direction (T1)

The arrangement of permanent magnets (1) for every pole (9) may beformed either by only one piece of permanent magnet or by a compositionof small pellets, conveniently displayed in the rotor surface orinserted in the rotor.

The Stator iron (5) and Rotor Iron may be made of any magnetic materialsthat better fits the project.

The electrical energy generator equipment herein proposed is composed ofa structure formed by a rear crossbar (12) figures for 7 to 14, 17,18and 19) and posterior crossbar (13) figures from 7 to 14, 17,18 and 19),where the forward guiding bearing is located (14) (figures from 7 to14,17,18 and 19) and rear guiding bearing (15) (figures from 7 to14,17,18 and 19), being the thrust bearings (16) (figures from 7 to14,17,18 and 19) and back-thrust bearing (17) (figures from 7 to14,17,18 and 19) being alternatively placed either in the forwardbearing (14) or in the rear bearing (15).

The bearings (16/17) may be sliding bearings or roller bearings,lubricated by water, grease, oil or dry.

The heat generated by mechanical friction in the bearings is transferredto the water flow; whenever bearings are lubricated by oil the heatdissipation may be carried out by using external heat exchangers.

The forward guiding bearing (14) and the rear guiding bearing (15)support the equipment shaft (18) figures from 7 to 14, 17, 18 and 19).

The arrangements of FIGS. 3 and 15 envisage that permanent magnets (1)be positioned on the surface of the generator rotor (7).

The arrangements of FIGS. 4 and 16 envisage that permanent magnets (1)positioned inserted in the generator rotor (7).

The hydraulic turbine may be Propeller or Kaplan type.

The blades (11) figures from 7 to 14,17, 18 and 19) of the hydraulicturbine (2) may be fixed, adjustable in the assemblage or controllableby means of mechanisms, hydraulic or electrical systems.

The equipment shaft (18) allows radial and longitudinal positioning ofthe set.

The turbine hub (cube) (19) figures from 7 to 14, 17, 18 and 19) may becylindrical, spherical, elliptical, or any other shape that allows thepivoting of the blades (11).

When the blades (11) of the hydraulic turbine are controllable, theywill pivot in relation to the turbine hub (9).

The regulation of electrical tension and frequency are obtained byelectronic, electromechanical or hydraulic external equipment.

The pre-distributor with regulating blades (11) contributes to improvethe equipment efficiency in different load and flow conditions.

The electrical power generating equipment (2) and (3) may be positionedas follows:

as to individual positioning, such as:

-   -   a1=horizontal (perpendicular to the site surface vertical);    -   a2=aligned to site surface vertical    -   a3=inclined in relation to the site surface vertical;

as to the number of equipments in the same site: one or more equipment.The equipment for electrical energy generation (2) and (3) may begrouped as follows:

-   -   b1=In parallel, side by side horizontally, with the middle cross        section plane of the turbine rotors perpendicular to the main        water flow direction;    -   b2) one equipment over another vertically (also in parallel)        with the middle cross section plans of turbine rotors        perpendicular to the main water flow direction;    -   b3) serial positioned equipment (one equipment receiving the        water output flow from the previous equipment)    -   b4) Combined in one or more modules, which can be switched on        and off individually or in groups.

It is important to understand that the invention herein does not limitits application to the details and steps herein described. Suchinvention allows some other modalities and to be practiced or executedin various manners, being understood that the terminology used aims atdescription, rather than limitation.

1. An apparatus for generating electricity, comprising: a conduit havingan open forward end and an open rearward end, said conduit adapted forwater flow therethrough from said open forward end to said open rearwardend; a shaft mounted within said conduit in substantially concentricrelation to said conduit; a hydraulic turbine mounted to said shaft andhaving an axis of rotation defined by said shaft; said hydraulic turbinehaving a hub mounted to said shaft; a plurality of blades mounted tosaid hub; a magnet ring secured to radially outermost ends of saidblades; said hydraulic turbine immersed in a liquid fluid flow, saidliquid fluid flow being substantially parallel to said axis of rotation,said hydraulic turbine converting said liquid fluid flow into mechanicalenergy; a generator for converting mechanical energy into electricalenergy; said generator having an axis of rotation coincident with saidaxis of rotation of said turbine and said generator being immersed insaid liquid fluid flow; a nonrotating housing having a cylindricalsidewall mounted rearwardly of said turbine hub; a stator havingwindings, said stator mounted on an internal surface of said cylindricalsidewall; a rotor mounted on said shaft; a plurality of permanentmagnets mounted to said magnet ring; said stator mounted in encirclingrelation to said rotor; whereby electricity is generated as saidpermanent magnets rotate relative to said stator.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: said permanent magnets being magnetized ina radial direction.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:said rotor having a plurality of slots formed therein; each of saidpermanent magnets positioned in an associated slot.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a forward crosspiece supporting a forwardend of said shaft, said forward crosspiece having opposite ends securedto said conduit; a rearward crosspiece supporting a rearward end of saidshaft, said rearward crosspiece having opposite ends secured to saidconduit; and said hydraulic turbine and said generator mounted betweensaid forward and rearward crosspieces.
 5. An apparatus for generatingelectricity, comprising: a conduit having an open forward end and anopen rearward end, said conduit adapted for water flow therethrough fromsaid open forward end to said open rearward end; a shaft mounted withinsaid conduit in substantially concentric relation to said conduit, saidshaft having an axis of rotation substantially coincident with an axisof symmetry of said conduit; a hydraulic turbine mounted to said shaftand having an axis of rotation defined by said shaft; said hydraulicturbine having a hub and a plurality of blades mounted to said hub; amagnet ring secured to said plurality of blades in circumscribingrelation thereto; said hydraulic turbine immersed in a liquid fluidflow, said liquid fluid flow being substantially parallel to said axisof rotation, said hydraulic turbine converting said liquid fluid flowinto mechanical energy; a generator for converting mechanical energyinto electrical energy; said generator having an axis of rotationcoincident with said axis of rotation of said turbine and said generatorbeing immersed in said liquid fluid flow; said generator including astator and said stator including windings; said generator including arotor; a plurality of permanent magnets mounted on said magnet ring; aplurality of windings mounted for rotation relative to said permanentmagnets; whereby electricity is generated as said permanent magnetsrotate relative to said windings.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, furthercomprising: said turbine hub having a rotating extension that forms ahousing having a cylindrical sidewall; said rotor disposed within saidhousing and mounted to an internal surface of said cylindrical sidewall;said magnet ring mounted in circumscribing relation to said rotor; saidplurality of permanent magnets mounted to said magnet ring; anon-rotating housing mounted to said rearward crosspiece in forwardrelation to said rearward crosspiece; said stator mounted to saidnon-rotating housing; said rotor mounted in encircling relation to saidstator.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a non-rotatinghousing mounted to said rearward crosspiece in forward relation to saidrearward crosspiece, said non-rotating housing having a cylindricalsidewall; said stator mounted to an internal surface of saidnon-rotating housing; said rotor mounted to said shaft; said pluralityof permanent magnets mounted to said magnet ring; and said statormounted in encircling relation to said rotor.
 8. The apparatus of claim5, further comprising: a first crosspiece supporting a forward end ofsaid shaft, said first crosspiece having opposite ends secured to saidconduit; a second crosspiece supporting a rearward end of said shaft,said second crosspiece having opposite ends secured to said conduit; arotatable housing having a cylindrical sidewall disposed in spaced apartrelation to said turbine hub, said rotatable housing mounted to saidshaft for conjoint rotation therewith; said rotor mounted to an internalsurface of said cylindrical sidewall; said magnet ring mounted incircumscribing relation to said rotor; said plurality of permanentmagnets mounted to said magnet ring; a non-rotatable housing mounted tosaid second crosspiece, forwardly thereof; said stator mounted to saidnon-rotatable housing; said rotor mounted in encircling relation to saidstator.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: said turbineand said generator mounted between said first and second crosspieces.10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: said first crosspiecesupporting a forward end of said shaft, said first crosspiece havingopposite ends secured to said conduit; said second crosspiece supportinga rearward end of said shaft, said second crosspiece having oppositeends secured to said conduit; and said turbine mounted between saidfirst and second crosspieces. a forward guiding bearing carried by saidfirst crosspiece; a rearward guiding bearing carried by said secondcrosspiece; said generator mounted rearwardly of said second crosspiece.11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a non-rotatinghousing having a cylindrical sidewall mounted rearwardly of said secondcrosspiece; said stator disposed within said non-rotating housing andmounted to an internal surface of said cylindrical sidewall; said rotormounted to said shaft for conjoint rotation therewith; and a pluralityof permanent magnets mounted to said magnet ring.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further comprising: a thrust bearing mounted forwardly of saidrearward guiding bearing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, furthercomprising: a back thrust bearing mounted forwardly of said thrustbearing.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a rotatablehousing having a cylindrical sidewall mounted rearward of said secondcrosspiece; said rotor disposed within said housing and mounted to aninternal surface of said cylindrical sidewall; a magnet ring mounted incircumscribing relation to said rotor; a plurality of permanent magnetsmounted to said magnet ring; a non-rotatable housing mounted to saidsecond cross-piece, rearward thereof; said stator mounted to saidnon-rotatable housing; said rotor disposed in encircling relation tosaid stator.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: saidturbine mounted between said first and second crosspieces; saidgenerator mounted between said second crosspiece and a third crosspiece;said generator including a non-rotatable housing having a cylindricalsidewall; said stator disposed within said housing and mounted to aninternal surface of said cylindrical sidewall; said rotor mounted tosaid shaft for conjoint rotation therewith; a magnet ring mounted incircumscribing relation to said rotor; a plurality of permanent magnetsmounted to said magnet ring; and said stator disposed in encirclingrelation to said rotor.
 16. The apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising: said turbine mounted between said first and secondcrosspieces; said generator mounted between said second crosspiece and athird crosspiece; said generator including a rotatable housing having acylindrical sidewall; said rotor disposed within said housing andmounted to an internal surface of said cylindrical sidewall; a magnetring mounted in circumscribing relation to said rotor; a plurality ofpermanent magnets mounted to said magnet ring; said generator includinga non-rotatable housing; said stator mounted to said non-rotatablehousing.